Area Information

The city of Blountstown was named for John Blount, a Seminole Indian chief. Blount was a guide for General Andrew Jackson when he invaded Spanish Florida in 1818. This invasion led the United States to purchase Florida from Spain, and the territory became a part of the US in 1821. John Blount was rewarded for his services to General Jackson with a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit Jackson during his presidency. In 1823, Blount was granted a reservation along the west side of the Apalachicola River, which served as the first settlement of the eventual Blountstown.

Come see the Old Courthouse, which was built in 1904 in the Romanesque Revival style. It is only one of two in Florida. There are a few other Historical Markers in Calhoun County that had a great importance to the growth of Calhoun County. Fascinating residents of Blountstown have included the late Fuller Warren, former Governor of Florida, as well as Everett Yon, a native of Blountstown who was honored at the University of Florida, with the creation of Yon Hall. Blountstown's public school system includes an elementary school, a middle school, a high school and an adult education center. Those desiring higher education can get to five different institutions within 60 miles or less. These are Gulf Coast Community College, Tallahassee Community College, Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and George C. Wallace State Community College - Dothan. Calhoun Liberty Hospital serves the area's health care needs. For manufacturing, distribution and business, Calhoun County makes good sense. Calhoun County has many commercial or industrial sites available. There is also an industrial park available. In addition, Calhoun County has three annual festivals. Goat Day which occurs on the 3rd Saturday in October features local Arts and Craft, greased pig chasing, penny digs, and of course goats. The Flathead Catfish Festival occurs in May. Fisherman from around the Southeast try their luck at trying to land the "big one" for the State Record and the Grand Prize. In April the Panhandle Folk Life Days presents regional traditions and practice for students and the general public to observe, learn and enjoy. You will see quilt making, blacksmithing, soap making, candlestick making, pine needle basketry. You may be asked to help with the "chores" for a little "on the job training". Calhoun County's hunting and fishing resources are among the most abundant in the state. The Chipola River and the Apalachicola River give fishermen everything they could ask for. These rivers host a multitude of fish species including bream and catfish. Not only are the rivers great for the sportsman, but also for the nature lover who enjoys escaping to scenic areas of undisturbed beauty. Swimmers can also comfortably dive into the cool, clean waters. Those up for a float trip should try paddling down the Chipola River State Canoe Trail. Hunters can also explore thousands of acres of land available in the county containing plenty of deer, turkey and dove, to name only a few of the available species. Learn about the lifestyle of the past in Blountstown's own Panhandle Pioneer Settlement. The settlement was founded in 1989 to document, research and preserve folkways of past generations. Since that time, the settlement has acquired 11 period structures dating from 1840 to 1940. Soon to come will be the Greenway Trail that will allow hiking, in-line skating, biking, and horseback riding. There is also the possibility of the linking of the Florida Trail that would help the vision of connecting Florida from the Keys all the way to Pensacola. The biologically rich Apalachicola River Basin is home to at least 127 rare species of plants and animals and 45 of Florida's 62 native habitats. The flora is best seen at the Nature Conservancy and Torreya State Park where you can hike up to the bluffs overlooking the river 135 feet below. The fauna can be seen at the Big Bend Wildlife Sanctuary.

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